William Matzke

William Herman Ewald Matzke, age 87, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Harmony River Living Center.

William was born March 5, 1938, in Highwater Township, Cottonwood County, Minnesota, to Anton and Augusta (Stern) Matzke. He attended school in Lamberton, graduating in 1955.

He served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1959 as a Radioman General, with his last station in Japan before his honorable discharge.

Following his service, William worked in Traverse City, Michigan, with North Central Airlines, later moving to Memphis, Tennessee, with Northwest Airlines until his retirement. After retiring, he moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where he lived on Lake Geneva and enjoyed walking, fishing, gardening, flowers, traveling, and family reunions.

He cherished time with his sister Helen, who lived across the lake, sharing walks on the Central Lakes Trail, coffee, tea, and birthday celebrations.

William is survived by his sisters: Arleen Kruse (Hutchinson), Emma Wall (Balaton), Edna Goll (Hancock), and Helen Goll (Alexandria); sisters-in-law: Cherly Matzke (Red Lake Falls) and Micheleen Matzke (Rochester); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Robert, Elmer, Ervin, and Alvin Matzke; sister Esther Kruse; brothers-in-law John Goll, Harold Wall, Luvern Kruse, Herb Kruse, and Howard Goll; niece Sharon Jensen; nephew Aaron Goll; and aunts Delores Stern and Peggy Stern.

A private family service will be held at the Lamberton Cemetery on September 6, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day."